New York Fire Chief Richard Picciotto says his was a prayer unanswered the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

New York Fire Chief Richard Picciotto autographs his book Last Man Down for Bellefontaine firefighters Monday following a presentation to Logan County educators at Bellefontaine High School. (EXAMINER PHOTO | NATE SMITH)

Leading a collection of evacuees between the fifth and sixth floors of the north tower at the World Trade Center, the Battalion 11 commander says he heard, “the loudest sound of my entire life — it was so loud I could feel it — and then the whole building started to shake and the lights went out.”

Chief Picciotto says he knew at that moment the tower had begun to collapse in on itself and it was then he prepared himself to die.

“I said Lord, please just make it quick,” Chief Picciotto told a collection of teachers and administrators Monday during a presentation at Bellefontaine High School.